ITB Supports Young Farmers through Biofloc Fish Farming Training in Jatinunggal, Sumedang
By Indah Marcelinawati - Mahasiswa Perencanaan Wilayah dan Kota, 2022
Editor M. Naufal Hafizh, S.S.
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SUMEDANG, itb.ac.id – Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), through a cross-disciplinary team from the School of Architecture, Planning, and Policy Development (SAPPK), the School of Business and Management (SBM), and the School of Life Sciences and Technology (SITH), organized a community service program in Jatinunggal District, Sumedang Regency. The program focused on training in biofloc fish farming technology, aiming to encourage the regeneration of farmers and foster the growth of young, innovative, and competitive agropreneurs.
The initiative was driven by the socioeconomic conditions in Jatinunggal, where most residents work in agriculture and fisheries but earn relatively low incomes. This challenge is compounded by the declining interest of younger generations in agribusiness, often perceived as unpromising. In fact, the presence of the Jatigede Dam offers significant opportunities for fisheries development in the region.
The program was carried out in collaboration with ITB, led by Dr. Ir. Kartib Bayu, M.Si., together with PKBM Insan Motekar under Abdul Hamid, S.Pd., MM., and supported by Jatinunggal Sub-district Head, Nurhayat, S.STP., as well as village institutions. ITB designed the program and provided materials on both technical aspects and digital marketing, while PKBM gathered participants from Package C students and local youth. A total of 25 participants—including Package C students, village youth, and representatives of local institutions—were involved and empowered as prospective young agropreneurs. Additional insights were delivered by Gandhi Zatnika, S.St.Pi. (Research Center for Aquaculture) and Dr. Sri Hartati, SE., M.Si. (SBM ITB) on biofloc methods, business management, and marketing strategies.
The team also expressed their hopes: “We hope that the community can become more independent and recognize business opportunities that will help improve and enhance their economic well-being,” said Achmad Agung Gunawan.